Venues – The Playpen Chicago

31st Street Beach

Hours Notes

The beach is open from 6 am to 11 pm, but swimming is only permitted during the beach season when lifeguards are on duty from 11 am to 7 pm, in designated swim areas. The beach season runs from the Friday before Memorial Day, through Labor Day.

Description

Often referred to 31st Street Beach, Margaret T. Burroughs Beach offers visitors incredible views of the Chicago skyline from the south. Beach goers can find concessions and restrooms at the beach house.

Burroughs Beach sits next 31st Street Harbor, a facility that offers 1,000 floating slips for 35-70-foot-long boats and space for boats up to 200 feet. Adjacent to the harbor, patrons can find an ADA-accessible playground, along with a “green roof” picnic area above an indoor parking garage that also functions as a winter boat storage area. A public fishing dock, community room, harbor store and offices are all available at this location.

Castaways Beach Club

Castaways is synonymous with summertime in Chicago. The iconic boat house on North Avenue Beach features views of the city overlooking the lakefront and the Chicago skyline. The newly reimagined Castaways Beach Club is the perfect blend of old and new. The classic charm of Castaways has been preserved while incorporating modern design elements, additional seating, and elevated food & beverage offerings. The result is a warm and inviting atmosphere that appeals to both loyal regulars and new customers alike. Come and experience the best of both worlds!

Address: 1603 N DuSable Lake Shore Dr, Chicago, IL 60611

Chicago Yacht Club – Monroe Station

Founded in 1875, Chicago Yacht Club is one of the oldest and most respected yacht clubs in the world. Chicago Yacht Club is ranked on the top 10 list of U.S. yacht clubs by Platinum Clubs of America. It hosts more than 200 exclusive events on and off the water each year, offering members many ways to get involved and share their passion for the water.

Members of the Chicago Yacht Club are invited to not only participate in our more than 125 racing events and boating lifestyle, but also to be a part of our rich history and enduring legacy.

The Club is home to more than 1,400 members, including a winning America’s Cup skipper, Olympic medalists and hopefuls, and outstanding boaters of all types, from ages 4 to 100. The Club offers year-round activities for its diverse membership at two locations on the city’s shoreline, at Monroe and Belmont Harbors. It is recognized as a leader in sailing education, with one of the largest junior sailing programs in the United States.

The Club’s Main Dining Room at Monroe Station offers upscale dining and a menu featuring fresh, local ingredients. Belmont Station is a family-friendly venue for casual lunches and dinners and serves as a great location for hosting members’ private events. With 10,000 square feet of meeting space, Chicago Yacht Club is perfectly suited to host your social parties, office gatherings and everything in between. Whether you are a novice enrolled in our nationally recognized sailing school, or an “old salt” with seasoned sea legs, Chicago Yacht Club is sure to satisfy you on and off the water, whether it be wind, fuel or oars that propel you.

Monroe Harbor Public Dock

Monroe Harbor: The Heart of Chicago’s Boating Scene

Monroe Harbor, situated just off the bustling Michigan Avenue in downtown Chicago, serves as a central hub for the city’s boating and recreational activities on Lake Michigan. The significance of this harbor is not only for its scenic beauty and central location but also for its comprehensive facilities and vibrant cultural scene. It is home to the Chicago Yacht Club and Columbia Yacht Club, the harbor is a central focal point of the lakefront. Here are some facts about Monroe Harbor’s history, usage, transportation, and provides a guide for newcomers, detailing its facilities, attractions, and services.

Arrival at Monroe Harbor Public Dock

The public dock runs north/south, is concrete and has wood pilings. The closest drop off point is the cul-de-sac at 400 E. Monroe St. and from there it is a 2-minute walk north of the Chicago Yacht Club along the Lakefront Trail to get to the dock. About Monroe Harbor Monroe Harbor is located in the heart of downtown Chicago and its 392 mooring cans combine to create the central panorama of the Chicago skyline. Iconic to the Chicago Harbors, Monroe has a strong community of long-time boaters many of whom love the nostalgia and history of this harbor at the foot of the city. Home to the Chicago Yacht Club and Columbia Yacht Club, the harbor is a central focal point of the lakefront. A frequent and convenient tender service is available; please hail on channel 68 for pick-up. There are accommodations for boats 25’-50’ in length. Transient mooring is also available; you can submit reservation requests through the Dockwa app or website beginning May 1st. Additionally, there is waste pump-out equipment at the northern end of the harbor that is provided on a no-charge basis. The harbor monitors channels 9 and 16 and the switch to/working channel is 68.

Historical Overview

Monroe Harbor’s history is deeply intertwined with the development of Chicago itself. As the city grew into a major metropolis in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, the need for extensive maritime facilities became evident. The harbor was officially developed in the 1930s, transforming it into a major recreational boating haven. This development was part of a larger movement to beautify Chicago’s lakefront, making it accessible and enjoyable for public recreation and leisure activities.

Usage and Interesting Facts

Today, Monroe Harbor is one of the most popular mooring locations in Chicago, accommodating over 800 mooring cans where vessels can be securely anchored. The harbor is bustling with activity during the boating season, which typically runs from May to October. Interesting facts about Monroe Harbor include its role in hosting parts of the annual Chicago Air and Water Show, which features impressive aerial stunts over the lake, and its proximity to significant cultural landmarks like the Art Institute of Chicago and Millennium Park.

Transportation

Accessing Monroe Harbor is remarkably convenient due to its prime location near the heart of downtown Chicago. Visitors can reach the harbor by various means:

Public Transit: Multiple Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) bus routes and L trains provide easy access. The closest train stations are at Randolph/Wabash and Monroe, which are both a short walk away.
Car: There is ample parking available in nearby garages and surface lots, though it can be pricey and fill up quickly during events.
Biking and Walking: Dedicated bike lanes and pedestrian paths along the lakefront make it easy for locals and tourists alike to get to the harbor by bike or on foot.

Guide for Newbies

For those new to boating in Monroe Harbor, here are several tips to ensure a pleasant experience:

Familiarize Yourself with Local Regulations: Understanding local boating laws and harbor regulations is crucial. This includes speed limits, mooring guidelines, and safety regulations.
Check Weather Conditions: Lake Michigan can be unpredictable. Always check the weather forecast before heading out and be prepared for sudden changes.
Reserve Early: Mooring spots can be highly sought after, especially during peak season and events. It’s advisable to make reservations well in advance.

Facilities, Attractions, and Services

Monroe Harbor boasts a wide range of facilities and attractions that make it a premier destination for boaters and visitors. A frequent and convenient tender service is available; please hail on channel 68 for pick-up. There are accommodations for boats 25’-50’ in length. Transient mooring is also available; you can submit reservation requests through the Dockwa app or website beginning May 1st. Additionally, there is waste pump-out equipment at the northern end of the harbor that is provided on a no-charge basis. The harbor monitors channels 9 and 16 and the switch to/working channel is 68.

Moorings: Equipped with mooring cans suitable for a variety of boat sizes, the harbor provides a secure place to dock right near the city’s center.
Safety and Maintenance Services: On-site maintenance and repair services are available, along with fueling stations and waste disposal facilities.
Recreational Areas: Adjacent parks and recreational areas, including Maggie Daley Park and Grant Park, offer additional activities like mini-golf, rock climbing, and open-air concerts.
Dining and Shopping: The nearby Michigan Avenue, also known as The Magnificent Mile, offers myriad dining and shopping options.

Conclusion

Monroe Harbor is not just a place to dock a boat; it is a gateway to exploring the vibrant culture and history of Chicago. With its comprehensive facilities, easy access, and proximity to major attractions, Monroe Harbor remains a favored destination for boating enthusiasts and tourists alike. Whether you are a seasoned sailor or a first-time visitor, Monroe Harbor offers an enriching experience set against the backdrop of one of America’s most dynamic cities.

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